Katherina, or Kate, is the eldest daughter of Baptista. She is well known in Padua for her wild and brash behaviour.

Petruchio is a gentleman from Verona. He is good friends with Hortensio and is looking for a wife.

Bianca is the youngest daughter of Baptista. She is known in Padua for her beauty and mild nature.

Lucentio is a young student from Pisa who has come to Padua to study at the university. He wants to marry Bianca.

Tranio is Lucentio’s loyal servant from Pisa. He has been brought up in Vincentio’s household.

Baptista Minola is a very wealthy man in Padua. He has two daughters, Katherina and Bianca.

Hortensio wants to marry Bianca. He is good friends with Petruchio and lives in Padua.

Gremio is an old man who wants to marry Bianca. He is good friends with Baptista.

Grumio is Petruchio’s servant. He lives in Verona.

Vincentio is Lucentio’s father. He lives in Pisa.